Derya Elik
Dentist

Derya Elik was born in 1991 in the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa. She completed her primary, secondary, and high school education in Siverek, before gaining admission to the Faculty of Dentistry at Ege University in 2009. She graduated in 2016 and began her professional career. With a particular interest in surgical procedures (such as implants and tooth extractions) and prosthetics (including smile design), she participated in numerous courses and congresses in both Turkey and Germany, earning the necessary certifications.

Address:  Karşıyaka, İzmir – TURKEY.

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Treatments Offered:

1. Dental Implants
Implants are titanium screws inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
This treatment prevents the need to cut down adjacent teeth, which might not always close the gap effectively. In cases where there are no neighbouring teeth or the mouth is completely toothless, implants offer a vital solution.

Implants can be placed in any patient over 18 whose jawbone development is complete. Suitability is assessed through X-rays and CT scans, as the size and placement of implants must be carefully planned. Custom acrylic guides may be used to ensure precise placement.

After insertion, the implant integrates with the bone in a healing process called osseointegration. Once this is complete, the prosthetic tooth (the part responsible for chewing) is placed, restoring full function.

2. Teeth Whitening
This treatment lightens the shade of a patient’s natural teeth by two to three tones using professional whitening agents. It is suitable for patients over 18 with a complete set of permanent teeth and no smoking habit.

3. Smile Design (Hollywood Smile)
Smile design is a comprehensive approach for patients who have missing teeth or structural and aesthetic issues with their teeth. Severe tooth loss can greatly impact one’s social life, eating habits, and even increase the risk of obesity. Structural abnormalities can also affect confidence and motivation.

How Is It Done?
Zirconium crowns are used for smile design due to their high durability, especially in recent years. These materials are suitable for both front and back teeth, offering strength and aesthetic appeal.

4. Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics addresses alignment issues such as impacted teeth, crowding, or irregular height. The treatment involves the use of removable appliances or fixed braces to correct the alignment of teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, in line with the temporomandibular joint.

This treatment is especially effective before puberty, as skeletal improvements can be achieved. After puberty, changes are limited to dental alignment only.
However, even post-puberty, improvements are possible – though major skeletal adjustments may require complex orthognathic surgery.

If started early, orthodontics can correct serious issues like a protruding lower or upper jaw, which can otherwise lead to digestive issues, breathing problems, and sleep apnoea.

5. Fillings and Root Canal Treatment
Patients often present with discomfort when consuming cold foods or report food trapping between teeth, usually indicating decay.
Tooth decay affects the enamel, dentin, and sometimes the pulp (nerve and blood vessels). As the tooth structure softens and becomes infected, more extensive treatment is required.

If the decay reaches the pulp, root canal treatment becomes necessary. This involves removing infected nerves from the tooth roots, filling the area with biocompatible materials, and sealing the tooth with a filling.

6. Impacted Tooth Surgery
Impacted teeth can cause significant issues depending on their location in the upper or lower jaw. They often cause radiating pain toward the tonsils, ears, or throat.
Impacted teeth can also negatively affect orthodontic treatment by pushing other teeth forward, causing relapse in alignment.

These teeth are usually covered by gum or bone tissue and can be surgically removed under local anaesthesia.

7. Bruxism Treatment – Steps to a Healthy Smile
Bruxism is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, often caused by stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders. It can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and joint problems.

What is Bruxism?
Bruxism typically occurs during sleep, without the individual’s awareness. It can result in significant damage to the teeth and jaw muscles.

Treatment
At our Karşıyaka clinic, bruxism is treated based on the patient's specific symptoms and condition. A variety of treatment options are available to relieve pain and protect dental health.